Reality

Jason sighs deeply and rubs Katie's back as she leans against him. Setting his head back, he closes his eyes, just sitting.

Thanks, Hero... I do need to talk to someone. Maybe tonight when I'm not here at work... It's just... eh... lots on the brain and not enough makes sense.

After a few minutes, Jason kisses Katie's head lightly and swivels in his chair, giving her one last squeeze. "We better get back to work before the boss finds us."


Reese looks up at Angelica's last statement, a bit of color coming to his face. "Well...I'm certainly not the only person who could do my job. But I must admit, it wouldn't feel so good to be demoted. I trust Austin...he's a good man. And if that's what Carter wants, then...that's what Carter gets."

He shrugs. "I don't know if it has anything to do with being the Elite or not. I know there are more rules we have to abide by now...but still... refusing to go save a man's life? That doesn't set right with me, rules or not, and I thought Austin had the gumption to stand up for what we believed in and..."

Reese lets his agitated statement trail off, realizing he spoke with too much passion. "...well...and I'm just glad we have Scott back, whether I lose my job or not. Now the trick will be to get Carter to let me keep Scott around. He's determined we can't afford to have two tech guys, and there's no other opening positions Scott could handle. I don't know... maybe Scott doesn't even want to stay."

Sighing, he glances at his watch and grimaces. "If we don't get back, Susanne will think that wallowing is an all-day affair and I'll never live it down."

Rising from the table, he offers as polite hand to Angelica. "Thank you... I needed this."


The day progresses as usual...nothing exciting, nothing too boring. The office is kept going at the normal pace, people coming and going, and finally going home for the night. A few lights stay on though, for people who were either too engrossed in work to leave, or who didn't want to go home to a lonely house.


"Argh!" Reese throws his handfull of papers into the air, not caring that they drifted down all over his office. "I give up."

He flops his arms on his desk and rests his forehead on them, too weary to keep going. No matter how many time he tried to go over this case, it still didn't make sense. And it wouldn't until his mind was clear. But his mind would not be clear until he had resolved this issue with Carter. He'd tried calling him twice again today, but had gotten nowhere. Talk was only of Austin coming back.

Reese began to wonder if he should even stick around to be demoted. Maybe TJY didn't need him anymore.


Scott swings his leg over the side of the bed and stands up, testing out his balance. He'd only been up once earlier and that was with the help of Rick. But Rick wasn't here now...neither was Misty... and he was getting tired of staying in bed.

Swaying a little, he gets his bearings and heads to the door, opening it slowly. It took all his energy to pull it open, and he squints in the hall lights. Looking down one way, then the other, he sees the darkened doorways and knows that most have gone home for the night.

He'd seen some of the others again during the day, but it was a pretty lonely atmosphere. And now...now he didn't know what he was doing, but he wanted to see.

Padding softly down the hall in his light pants and t-shirt, he keeps one hand on the wall, for balance and for safety, knowing where he was. A noise down the hall where Hal was emptying trash makes Scott jump and he skids to the side, his pulse rate quickening. Realizing what it was, he tries to calm himself and keeps going.

Finally reaching his destination, he sees that there was no light at the bottom of the door, and he knew it was empty. He looks up on the door. Dalton. Not Scott. Dalton.

Reaching for the doorknob, he slowly opens the door, letting it creak, then flips on the light. He leans in the doorway for a moment, just looking into the office. He looks at the desk...the computers...the personal affects. And just looks...for what, or what reason, he didn't know. Maybe he was just trying to convince himself of reality.

Personaly

*As Jason embraces Katie she wraps her own arms around Jason giving him loving comfort. The feelings Katie felt that showed themself she new Jason had inside what they were she want sure. Everything wanted her to pry and poke but yet something alse inside her heart told her to wait.

J I felt your feelings and I know something is bothering you, but for once I wont push. When your ready to shair them with me you can. Please remember though my love no matter what your never a burden on me and I want to know how your feeling it never gives me more stress.

Katie leans her head on Jason's shoulder as she soaks in his feelings. Her own body growing tired and comfortable as Jason held her. Just being around him she felt comfortable and safe. As if the problems of the world seemed to melt away.

I'm happy we found each other. Your my rainbow after the rain. Thank you.*

*Angelica sets her fork down and takes a drink of her tea as she thinks for a moment. Trying to put everything Reese said together to form an answer. An answer that just would not come. No matter how she tryed not to thought her lawyer mind tryed to put the peaces of the puzzle together anyways.*

"Do you think when TJY became The Elite it changed something? Having new rules you have to follow. I mean before now one new about you there was no reputation you had to live up to because to everyone alse you didnt exsist. Now though people know about the Elite and one wrong move could mean desaster."

*Angelica lets out a sigh as her mind continues to break things down but no matter how much she tryed to she alway came to the same brick wall. There just was not enough information to come to any kind of conclustion.*

"Well personaly I hope for Carters sake he dosnt demote you. I really wouldnt feel comfortable working under anyone alse. I stayed here for you Reese, I'm working at TJY for you. Anyone alse in your position at work and it wont feel like home."

The only light

Jason lets Katie sit on his lap, and moves to wrap his arms around her waist.

Receiving her words, relief seeps through…happiness…love. His eyes fall into her own, so much being said with no words at all.

Leaning into her kiss, Jason returns it warmly, his hold around her tightening to draw her closer, his hands caressing her back. She could make him feel like no other, and a tingle runs down his spine as passion comes forth.

But even while in a blissful moment as this, it was Jason’s most vulnerable position. And having Katie this close, touching him, while he willingly shared his warm emotions to accompany the kiss, hidden feelings were unintentionally exposed.

Anger… disgust… and a deep, deep hurt. None were aimed at Katie, but rather to something… someone else who remained in the shadows.

Unable to hold back any emotions during a passionate exchange, and knowing that both positive and negative served to fuel Katie, Jason can feel those hidden emotions being drawn out, and knows that they are no longer secret.

Slowly, gently pulling away, Jason rests his forehead against Katie’s, his eyes closed as he holds her. He knew she would know that those negative feelings were not because of her. But now she would wonder and question where they had come from. And with her…there simply was no place to hide.

I’m sorry… When you kiss me… hold me… I can’t hide anything.

When he allowed himself to open his passion and to be off guard, everything was vulnerable.

I love you too… All I want is for things to be alright again… for things to be normal again. There’s stuff I wasn’t telling you because I didn’t want any more stress passed around…

Jason opens his eyes and straightens a little so he can see Katie. He brings a hand to her face, his thumb running over her cheek. Then pulling her close, he hugs her tight.

“Oh, Katie,” he whispers. “You’re the only light in my world.”


Reese shakes his head and wipes his mouth with a napkin. "I don't know... I just...I don't know." He gives up trying to think of something for a moment and eats, though finally comes back to the subject.

"You're right that Jason and Katie would have gone after Scott on their own. Most likely would have dragged Dalton right along with them. But that fact just seems to make Carter madder. He says it was stupid of them to begin with, and even stupider of me to not only go along with them, but lead them. I just..."

He shakes his head again. "I don't understand what he's thinking, or why he has that perspective. It doesn't seem like something he'd say. I mean... where's that original fire? Where's that original pride that said we'd take down the Agency no matter what?"

Reese pauses, the worry etched in his face. He looks down at his half-eaten food, wishing he had more of an appetite, but it just wouldn't come. His age was showing, through the stress and strain of his job, a few more gray hairs had come, his face proving the wear and tear of his job.

"I feel like something is wrong, Angelica..." He looks back up to her. "I haven't said that to anyone else, but I just feel like... I don't know... like there's a storm brewing. Like this is bigger than just this one instance. It's almost like Carter was waiting for something like this so he could pounce. But that's not like him." Reese rolls his eyes. "Pretty soon he's not going to be around anyway. I haven't seen him for weeks, and I know his heart is getting worse. But anyway... he wants Austin back, and he hasn't said so outright, but I'm pretty sure he wants Austin to take over my job. Why, I'm not sure. I just can't believe it's only because of this one thing."

He picks up his fork again to pick at his food. "Then there's Jason. Poor kid." He laughs at himself. "Kid... he's a grown man and I better start thinking of him that way. I know he's been in contact with Austin lately... well... kind of. There's family trouble there... not that I can blame Jason, but this situation at work isn't helping things any. Something showed up in some old records the other day about his father... stuff that I didn't want to show him... I'm afraid it would just feed his case against Austin at this point."

Happyness

*As Katie enters Jason office the atmisphere is a low key one with many questions and thoughts hanging in the air. Though Jason was keeping most of his emotions well hidden Katie could still feel the change that something was wrong. Knowing everything they had been though it did not saprise Katie she wasnt feeling up to par herself.

As Jason comment about now that Scott was back if it changed anything Katie can feel a small twinge of pain inside of her. This question on Jason's mind was heavy and weather he showed it or not it bothered him alot. Letting out a small sigh Katie comes around to Jason's side of the desk and pulls his chair out just a little to exspose his lap. Sitting down across it Katie puts her arms around Jason's neck and locks eyes with his just being silent for a moment. Studying his eyes, looking into the ones that had captured her so long ago. The eyes that held so many mysterys, and so much hope. Finally Katie speaks.*

"Jason, I love you to no end. I always did, even after everything happend and no matter how to tryed to hide it I couldnt. I put you, Scott and myself through so much because I was foolish. I can't do that to us again. I have to be true to my heart, and I found where my happyness and love is. No Jason, Scott being back changed nothing."

*Leaning down Katie brings her lips for Jason's as her one hand finds the back of his head. Letting her passion and love show through the single kiss. The kiss that lingered not wanting to break the moment.*

".....So whats going to happen when Austin comes back? Did Carter say anything about that? Is he really that upset that he would demote you. I mean knowing Katie for as long as I have and just knowing Jason for a short amount of time sooner or later they would of found out the same stuff you did. Than they would of tryed to go save Scott on there own. Weather they would of made it out or not is another story but non the less it would of happend on way or another."

*Angelica takes another bit of her salad as she looks across the table at Reese. Much had been talked about so far as they both tryed to destress just a little bit, but the conversation always came back around to the same thing everything that has happend with Scott. Not that Angelica minded. She new Reese needed to get everything off his chest and she was just happy he trusted her enough to shair.*

Definition

Scott gives Katie a little nod and watches her leave, suddenly alone in the silence once again. After a few moments, he lies down, letting his head sink into the pillow, and curling up on his side. Tears wanted to come, but he didn't let them. It would be fine...he would be fine... it was all just one big nightmare.

Closing his eyes tight, he tries to sleep, but it's hard, once Rick and Misty return and are working in the infirmary.


Jason rests his elbows on his desk and is staring off into space when he knows Katie is nearing his office.
Yeah, it's open, come on in.

He doesn't look up as she enters, his mind still a million miles away. And he'd thought things would finally settle down. They never did.
Eventually, he looks up to see Katie's face, and straightens to lean back in his chair. "I wish there was something I could do for Scott...there's so much he's lost. Last I knew, his house was about empty...he's got no car... and even his job is in question."

He shakes his head, and lets a pause linger. Finally though, he can't keep a lid on the question any longer.
Now that Scott is back...does it...change anything......

Jason's eyes search Katie's.
...between us?


Reese is a little surprised at Angelica's enthusiasm and her arm through his, but he doesn't resist. "Well alrighty then." Already there is a lighter tone to his voice. "We shall go wallow. I haven't been on a wallowing binge in years, and I think the greek restaurant downtown is the perfect place for that."

He leads Angelica back to his office where he can grab his own jacket and car keys before heading back out. "Susanne, I'm going out for lunch I'll be back when I'm done wallowing."

Susanne looks up in confusion. "Sorry?"

"Wallowing." Reese gives a firm nod. "Trust me, it's not a pretty sight. You don't want to join us."

Susanne quirks an eyebrow. "Sounds like an excuse for a date."

Reese simply shrugs. "Could be. But then you wouldn't blame me, now would you?"

Susanne throws him a smirk, and gives Angelica a knowing look. "While you're out, get this guy some help, would you?"

Change

*Katie gives Scott a smile though her own bit of sadness sinks in. Things probley would never be the same for Scott, maybe in time but they would never truly be the same.*

"You know Scott things might not be the same again but this is a chanse to start new. I know its gonna take time but there are so many people here who are willing to help you through. God has a plan in all this even if we can't see it yet."

*Katie's own head jerks up at Wyatt's voice. The lack of sleep had made Katie jumpy herself. Giving a smile Katie was glad Wyatt came to see Scott. He needed everyone he possable could get to come and see him and make him feel comfortable. Once Wyatt leaves Katie just stairs at the door for a long moment thinking about what Scott had asked about his job and what was really going to happen. Bring herself back though Katie gives a small chuckle.*

"Well I guess I better get back to work or my hind end is gonna be in trouble. If you need anything don't hesatate to give me a yell ok Scotty. I'll be back to see ya soon."

*Giving Scott one last squeeze Katie stands and heads for the door making her way to Jason's office.*

*Angelica rolls her eyes as she finish putting her papers back on the desk and than stands to grab her jacket. *

"Well my sister told me she use to tell Bret "Wallowing alone is always better when you have someone alse by your side." I never really liked wallowing with others but ove the last week I've had some stuff braught to my attachen and I am trying to change a few things. So Mike, lunch it is."

*Giving a smile Angelica links her arm with Mike's though the look behind her eyes that not many could see shows just how nervouse and leary she was but trying was the first step for her and it could only go on from there.*

"Sure."

Scott doesn't return Katie's hug, but doesn't resist either, just resting his head against her for a moment. It was a comfort...in this darkness, it was a comfort.

Straightening a little again, he tries to refocus. "Hulk, huh? Seems like I saw him in the van on the way back here...big guy, right?"

He pauses, still not looking Katie in the eye, but thinking. "Rick said y'all got my goodbye message." He manages a rueful grin. "Not ever day a guy manages to say all that...then show back up again." He rolls his eyes.

Growing quiet again, he finally looks up at Katie's face. "I want things to be normal but...they're just not going to be the same, are they?" The look in his eye proves that though he hasn't been awake long, he's already thought through a lot, coming to many realizations. His job...his house... his car... It had been two months... it was only reasonable that his belongings had already been gone through and kept, sold or thrown away. He was going to have to start from scratch and despite a fog hanging over him, that was one reality that he knew.

Scott looks down again. "Yeah... well... guess a guy in my position needs to be thankful that I'm alive at all. Rick wants me here for a while anyway so I guess..." His voice trails off. "I don't know what I'm trying to say."

He rubs a sore spot on his hand, only now realizing how thin his hands had become.

"Hey hey hey!"

Scott's head jerks up again, spotting Wyatt in the doorway. A faint smile creeps out. "Wyatt."

"Boy am I glad to see you." Wyatt comes over slowly, throwing a wink at Katie, glad that she was already there with Scott. "How ya feeling?"

"Oh...Doc says I'll live."

Wyatt grins. "That would be a mighty good thing. We don't need anymore of this dying stuff around here."

"Mm...if you all missed me that much, maybe I should start taking advantage of it."

Wyatt laughs. "Now don't go overboard. But welcome back...it's good to have you back, Scott."

Scott swallows hard, resisting his emotions. "Yeah... what's your dad going to do with me now?"

Wyatt looks to Katie for a moment with a quirked eyebrow, not having expected that question just yet. But it was evident that Scott had already been thinking about a lot. "What's he ever done with you, Scott?"

Scott almost grins. "Given me a kick in the seat and told me to get to work."

"Good to see you haven't lost your memory," Wyatt teases. He knew he hadn't answered Scott's question in the least, but he wasn't about to admit the phone conversation he'd overheard just a while ago. There was no way he was going to tell Scott that Carter didn't want two tech guys on staff, and that Dalton was staying. "I gotta run down to the courthouse, but I'll be back later... get some rest, and when Rick lets you out of here, we're going to have a welcome home party for you, TJY style."

An actual grin seeps through on Scott's face. "Alright. I'll look forward to it."

"Good. I'll see you later then." He turns to leave, calling over his shoulder. "Oh, and Kat, Reese wants us to go over those files from the McRyan case."

Scott watches his friend leave before glancing back to Katie. "Guess you better get back to work too, huh?"


Reese cringes and turns around just as he gets to Angelica's door. He gives her a look of tired apology, knowing that his actions had been totally inappropriate. "Sorry, sorry...I just got off the phone with Carter and..." His shoulders drop. It was no excuse.

"Lunch sounds great. I need to get out of here. But if you can't stand my company today, just tell me and I'll go sit in some corner somewhere and be miserable by myself."


"I don't know what to do..." Austin sips his tea slowly, enjoying the warmth of the kitchen. There was a bitter wind blowing today, and walking from the ranch to Wes and Cindy's had been cold. Austin didn't normally drink hot tea, but today it felt good.

Cindy looks across the table at him, pursing her lips in thought. It was rare that Austin visited, especially just to talk. She could remember few times actually sitting down and conversing with him, without it having to do with a case at TJY, the past, or anything related to business. Today though...today he'd apparently just needed someone to talk to.

Wes was at the shop, so it was quiet in the house today. Kaylee was sleeping soundly, and Cindy did enjoy the company. But what could she tell Austin? What could she really say in response to what he'd told her? "Well..." She moves her own tea cup in her hands, soaking up the warmth. "I don't know either, Austin. I think this has been building for a long time."

"I know." Austin looks down at the wood grain in the table. "I guess it was always just work with me wasn't it?"

Cindy nods slowly. "Yes...it was. I think at first there was more there, when Jason was younger. But he was going through such a hard time that he wasn't accepting much compassion."

"True." Austin reflects on so many years ago when he'd found that scared little boy who had been trapped for over a year. When he'd found out it had been his own grandson, he hadn't known how to respond... hadn't known what to do. He'd tried to be a friend to the boy, but he'd felt so awkward. "Maybe I gave up."

Cindy's eyes show their own compassion. "Maybe you did. Once you recruited Jason to work for TJY, that was it... there were no more days in the park... no more outings as a family or even with just the two of you... no more vacations... It was all just work." She gives a little sigh, remembering, and wondering for the hundredth time if she'd been wrong to let Jason become so involved with TJY so soon. "All Jason did then was school and TJY. Learning how to fight...learning how to shoot... he picked everything up so quickly that I know you and Reese and Carter wanted him there as an agent. But that's the same time he dropped 'grandpa' and started calling you Austin. His childhood had been destroyed by Alex...and anything that was left of it, faded more and more, each day he was at TJY."

Austin takes another sip of tea. He'd seen it...he'd known it... "Was I slefish?"

"Probably." Cindy didn't want to be mean, but she needed to speak the truth. "But so was I. I wanted to see my son happy. I wanted for me to feel good about him and his upbringing, and maybe wanting that so badly, I overlooked what he really needed."

She pauses, a tear coming to her eye. "When he came back from Alex, he wasn't my little Jason anymore. His spirit had been broken, and there were thinsg he'd experienced that I would never understand...to this day I know there are things he hasn't told me about. I got Jason back, but my little boy was gone. At ten years old, he was a young man with the world on his shoulders, and who had so much hurt that he wouldn't let anyone in anymore. And he fooled us, Austin. I think he fooled both of us into thinking that he was fine...he was alright...he could still be normal. But you and I know today that that's not true. It's evident through his flashbacks. Sometimes I wish I could go back...and be a better mother."

Austin moves his hand across the table to take Cindy's. "Don't say that. You were the best mother Jason ever could have had. It wasn't your fault things turned out like they did."

Cindy sniffs and gives his hand a squeeze before withdrawing to grab a tissue. "Oh, I suppose I know that. But there are days I miss my little boy...I miss that innocent smile... that sparkle in his eye that never came back after Alex."

Austin is quiet for several minutes, thinking back...remembering. He sighs deeply. "So then I threw him into TJY and made a soldier out of him. I had hopes of him and me being a team, ya know..."

"You were for a while."

"Yeah...him and me and Con mostly." He chuckles. "Con was good for him. But then we came here... He'd already gotten so hard and cold, and his cocky air was the only thing that helped me see he was still a human, not a machine. But I just thought it was his personality...just his character, not a mask. But I was wrong. And once he was here and everything fell apart, our relationship just grew further and further apart. And now...now he won't even speak to me."

Cindy shakes her head sadly. "I'm sorry, Austin. Has he said why?"

"Not really. I got him on the phone last night, just by telling Susanne not to tell him it was me. He made a comment about me not caring about individual lives, then hung up on me."

"And you don't think this thing with Scott affected him?"

Austin grows quiet again before stating with emphasis, "I was making the best decision for TJY... I was acting on the truths that I had tried teaching him... not to mention, Carter agreed. But Jason just doesn't seem to want to listen. He doesn't care that Carter and I did what we felt was best." He hits the table lightly with his hand. "Sometimes you just have to obey orders no matter what. But he's taking this whole thing personally, and blaming me for it."

"He's not a robot, Austin." Cindy tries to get him to see, her words remaining soft. "Scott was his friend."

"It shouldn't have mattered. There was good reason Carter and I didn't want a rescue team going out."

"Well Reese has more authority than you do."

Austin looks up quickly, catching Cindy's eye.

She hesitates. "...doesn't he?"

Austin takes a sip of tea instead of answering her. "I just wish I had a relationshp with my grandson and...I feel like I missed my chance."

"Well you're not going to get him back by pulling rank." Cindy stands up, taking her cup to the sink. "I don't know what's going on with him, or what's going through his mind. But getting upset with him will only make it worse. I'm sorry things turned out like they did... Jason's had the cards stacked against him his whole life. But you shouldn't give up...just give it some more time."

"Time is what seemed to push us apart in the first place."

"And you think God can't heal your relationship?


"...so then I figured I'd just keep right on going!"

A round of laughter fills the air at Mom and Pop's, coming from the small group in the corner. Carson looks up from drying some glasses behind the counter and sees the same people that had been in here every week now for at least a month. He knew Phil and Jen, and recognized the faces of Rocky, Taylor and Axel. He'd figured out after the first couple weeks that they were reading the Bible together. It seemed strange though...they always appeared to be having a lot of fun. Sometimes it looked like they were being pretty serious, but they always left with smiles.

Carson himself had been through the New Testament Jen gave him twice now, and though not having asked anyone about it yet, there were lingering questions in the back of his mind. A strange yearning had cropped up...one he hadn't expected...one that wanted to learn more about this...who wanted to understand better the words he'd read.

Setting his towel down, Carson grabs a pad and paper, heading over to the table. Aerith was on break at the moment. It didn't matter much though. He was pretty sure he didn't even need the pad today.

Approaching the table, he finds Jen's face and gives her a smile that's returned. The group had been there for half an hour. They were always ready to order at the same time every week. "Alright, we got a medium pizza with pepperoni, olives, onions and mushrooms for Phil and Rocky, Jen wants chicken scampi, Taylor wants the same but with no peppers, and..." Carson fishes for the final name. "Axel. You having the seafood alfredo?"

Axel grins up at him. "I wondered how long it would be before you memorized our orders."

Carson chuckles. "Took three weeks. I just kept expecting you to get out of your box after that, but no one did."

Jen laughs. "We're creatures of habit, Carson."

"So I see. Need more tea?"

"Yes, please."

Carson picks up Jen's glass. "Right. Be back with your food shortly."

Axel watches Carson leave, his eyes following him all the way to the kitchen.

It doesn't take long for everything to be ready and Carson makes two trips to bring out the food. "Alright. Everybody set?"

"Nope." Axel gestures to an empty chair. "We're missing something."

Carson furrows his brow. "What?"

"We're missing someone to join us."

Carson lifts his eyebrows in surprise, not sure how to respond.

Axel points to the chair again. "Take a load off. We're in Philippians."

"I..." Carson looks to Jen for help, but receives nothing, having to stand on his own for this one. "Sorry. Got work to do."

"There's only one other table and they already have their food," Axel points out. "Aerith has been off the floor for twenty-seven minutes, which means she'll be back in three. And if you ask Herb, I guarantee he'll let you take your break early. Not to mention, Phil and Rocky are dying to share their pizza."

Expecting a teasing complaint from the other two, Carson looks to them, but instead, Phil holds up a slice. "We always have a couple slices leftover. You know that."

"But I..."

Axel sets his fork down and rolls his eyes, pulling out the chair himself. "Unless you're afraid of learning something, sit. Rocky, finish reading that, will you?"

Rocky wipes his mouth with a napkin and waits to swallow his food before looking down at his Bible again. "I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead..."

Carson slowly lowers himself into the extra chair, intrigue keeping him here. It felt a little strange.... he was the oldest person here, yet they all knew more about this kind of thing than he did. Listening to Rocky read though, his questions resurfaced and he couldn't help but stay.

Axel casually pushes his own Bible towards Carson so he can read along, and Carson finds himself leaning over a little more so he could see.

Jen watches him out the corner of her eye, a small smile at the corner of her mouth. Glancing up once, she catches Axel's eye that winks back at her...


"...so the past...doesn't matter?"

"It matters because it's something that can't change," Phil shrugs. "But the bottom line is no... God doesn't care what the past looks like. He looks at the now...He looks at hearts and potential...not past mistakes."

Carson cocks his head, leaning back in his chair, his arms folded across his chest. At first, he'd thought some of his questions might seem stupid to the others, but no one ever seemed to think so, and even they had had questions too. The reading and discussion had been different...almost fun. "I..." Carson lets his next statement drift off as he suddenly sees the clock on the wall. "Oh, no." He rises quickly from his chair. He'd been sitting there for over forty-five minutes and hadn't even realized it. "I gotta get back to work you guys." He reaches for empty plates and glasses, clearing the table for them. "Thanks...for inviting me."

He's just turning, when Jen stops him. "See you next week?"

Carson pauses and looks back at the table again, hesitating, but finding himself saying something he thought he never would. "Sure." Hurrying, he heads back to the kitchen, dumping the dishes in the sink. "Sorry Herb," he calls out. "I'll work late tonight." He reaches for the water sprayer and groans. He had a date with Jess tonight. Now he'd have to break it off...again. Last time, he'd had to work late because he'd gotten in late again in the morning.... and the time before that, he'd had to work late because he'd taken extra time at lunch to do laundry. He couldn't do it to her again...but how could he not?

Just because

* Yeah I will be by later to talk with ya J. It's ok non of us really know how to tred right now. You did fine.

Katie continues to pay attachen to Scott. Her heart going out to him. She new it was hard for him to talk about this, she new it was hard for him to see the images. Katie had seen Jason through enough that she could only imagen Scott might be going through the same.

Before Katie can even think of what she is doing but only wanting to help her friend in pain she moves on the bed slightly so she is next to Scott and puts a comfortaing arm around his shoulder pulling him gently close to her to offer the most comfort and protection for her friend she could.*

"Us dead, it take alot more to keep us down Scotty."

*Kaite rests her own head ontop of Scott's a slight tear of her own trickling down her face. The pain Scott felt, it hurt. The pain her friend held inside and was now going to try and conquer how it made her own heart Ack, and knowing she could do nothing to take it away but be a friend hurt even more.*

"It's gonne be ok Scotty, we are all here for you."

*Continuing to hold Scott for a moment longer Katie keeps her head on top of his till finally she lets out a small sigh and losens her grip from around Scott. Trying to change the subject again for Scott's sake.*

"Dalton, he's ok. At least people arnt freaking out that there computers are not working right. He wasnt you though. We like to call him Hulk. I think once you get to know him he isnt as hard as he seems. I think you will like him."

*As Reese barges into Angelica's office she shoot her head up from the paper work she was looking at. Only to receve the other paper work thrown down on her desk sending paper flying onto the floor. Blinking for a moment a bit of irratation rises.*

"Just because your angry at other things dosnt mean you can barge in here and throw stuff around. I do have other work to do as well."

*Angelica removes her glasses and places them on the top of her head letting out another sigh and grumbaling for a moment before pushing her chair back and bending down to pick up her papers.*

"So now that thats said, would you like to talk over lunch?"

New guy

Jason stops outside the infirmary door and leans against the hallway wall, closing his eyes for a moment.
Sorry, Katie...I handled that poorly. Wanna talk later, I'll be in my office.
Shutting his emotional communication before anything more can be said, Jason pushes off the wall and goes back to his office.


Scott searches Katie's face, not seeming to hear her final comment, but staying on the previous one. "Good. You two always did belong together, ya know..." His eye roams her face with a look of sincerity, even if there is some sorrow there.

He clears his throat, wincing a little, and straightening up a bit on the bed. "I...I missed everyone too. I thought...I didn't think..." He stops, looking down. He had thought they were dead. He hadn't thought he'd get out from the Agency alive.

An image flashes through his mind of that cold, hard cell, and he shudders...

...Opening his eyes, he realizes that he's pulled his knees up to his chest again and had shut his eyes tight for several moments. He has a hard time relaxing again, and doesn't want to look Katie in the eye, slight embarrassment rising.

"Guess I...I'm not much company," he comments quietly, his gaze still down. "Thought you were dead, ya know... the whole team... that's what they told me."

More is on the tip of Scott's tongue, but he suddenly stops, his mind not wanting to think about it. "So what's the new guy like? He, um... keeping things.... up and running?"


"Carter!" Reese raises his voice, pacing behind his desk as much as the phone cord would allow. "How can you say something like that?! He's your own man! ...I know we replaced him already and the job is filled but... no... no, we can't get rid of Dalton. He stays. I'm not going to hire a man just to fire him two months later. Look, I..."

He grits his teeth, letting his boss talk. "No. I don't want to lay off Scott. He just survived almost two months with the Agency. Do you think he deserves to get the shaft?! ...That's not the point!"

Reese rolls his eyes. "For crying out loud. What is wrong with you? I know our funding is limited, but surely we have enough to handle two tech..... Of course I want to keep my own job but..."

He sighs and runs a hand through his hair. "Yes, Carter. Yes. I understand. I want to keep him here until he's well, though. Yes. Goodbye."

Hanging up, Reese mutters under his breath. "Dang you, Carter."

Seeing that more work needed to be done, he takes a deep breath and grabs some paperwork from his desk. He had to think about something else... he had to do something else before he went insane.

Heading across the floor, he brushes off a comment of Susanne, and simply aims for the hall, down and to Angelica's office. Entering the partially-open door without even knocking, he tosses the papers onto her desk. "Here's the stuff on the Henderson case," he grumbles. "Get him behind bars for life, I don't care."

Spinning on his heel, he starts back to her door.

Missed you

*Katie listens to Jason and Scott talk she can feel the tention and for a moment Katie is not sure what to do herself. But as fast as it comes it goes as Jason takes his leave. Looking down at the ground Katie is silent for a moment. This was the hard part, before everything Scott and Katie had been togther they had been happy and now, on top of everything they wernt together. The truth that was what Scott had to hear though. Anything less than that wouldnt be right.*

"Yeah, I did."

*Katie gives a chuckle and than trys to change the subject once again knowing that this was was alittle touchy.*

"I KNOW Domino will want to come home with you Scotty. She miss you. We all did Scotty."

Finally?

Scott lifts his head with a jerk as he hears someone enter the infirmary, and his eye latches on to Katie. He swallows hard, the emotions evident on his face, yet he keeps it in. A small smile quirks the corner of his mouth and he waits for Katie to sit down, a little leery, a little nervous.

Receiving her question, he gives a little shrug. His voice is hoarse and he stays fairly quiet. "Yeah...I'm okay. Guess it's a good thing I'm alive. Rick said it's been...a couple months."

Scott's eyes drop and he lets his legs slide down on the bed, his finding a loose thread on his t-shirt to fidget with. He knew he looked different...he was hardly skin and bones, let alone with all the cuts and bruises. But he knew Katie was trying not to act differently... though at the same time, just knowing that she had to try was enough to make it awkward.

"Domino, eh?" He changes the subject. "Rick said you were looking after her...she might just want to stay with you after being at your place this long."

Scott doesn't know what to say... what to talk about. Rick had told him a lot that he was still trying to process. "So...lot's, um...been going on? Heard there's as new guy on the block."

"Yeah, but we've all missed ya." Jason's voice answers him.

Scott jumps a little and looks up, surprised. "Jase...hi."

"Hey." Jason approaches slowly, cocking his head.
Aw, Scott... he's been through the wringer... he looks terrible, I hope he'll be okay.
"Katie got you cornered already?"

Scott forces something close to a chuckle. "Yeah, but that's okay. I don't mind getting cornered by her, it..." He lets his phrase trail off, slight color coming to his face. He hadn't forgotten that much...

Jason catches the subtle shift in Scott's tone, and suddenly realizes that his friend might not realize quite what relationships were like anymore.
I.... He stops his own emotions from forming communication. If he wasn't careful, his own questions would surface, and now wasn't the time.
"Her bark is worse than her bite, huh?"

Scott tries to smile. "Yeah..."

An awkward pause follows that seems to last forever. Jason finally clears his throat. "Well, I, um...guess I better get some work done. I'll see you later, Scott, alright?"

"Sure." Scott watches Jason leave before his gaze drops again. The door falling shut makes him jump and he looks back up quickly. Finding Katie's eyes again, he hesitates. "You, um... finally snag that lone ranger?"

Company

*As Jason slides next to Katie and she receves the knuge Katie she can't help but let a small smile cross her face. She was tired, and she felt drained, the last few days between using her energy on helping Scott, and than not sleeping much dew to nightmares when she closed her eyes She just couldnt seem to catch up.

Wrapping her arm around the back of Jason Katie leans her head on his chest.

Morning...Yeah I know its been rough for you. I've been a little scarse myself. How about dinner tonight?*

*And so the hours passed, and everyone worked though the feeling of seeing Scott loomed in the air. What would he think of them, how would he act. Would he remember who they were? But than the silly thoughts of the mind were gone and thoughs finally did what they should of hours ago.*

*A soft knock sounds on the infermary door and than opens slowly as Katie steps inside a smile on her face. It hurt to see Scott like this, to know he went through so much pain and she couldnt whip it away. The best thing she could do was be the friend he needed.*

"Hey Scotty. I thought you could use some company."

*Walking slowly over Katie trys not to make any suddin moves to starlt Scott. Coming to the bed Katie sits down on the bed next to him.*

"I told Domino she can come and see you soon. She was happy. By the way she acts I know she can tell your back. How are you feeling Scott? I know probely not the greatest but are you feeling any better?"

*Katie holds her smile as she looks at Scott. Her eyes searching his face but not looking at him any differnt than normal. He may look a bit differnt but he was still Scott and the last thing he needed was people to look at him differntly.*

Awake

Jason takes the bandages from Katie with a nod of thanks.
Yeah, yeah... I've had worse. Hurts like heck and I think the bullet stopped on the bone, but I'll live if I get the bleeding to quit.

Receiving Misty's comment, Jason looks up quickly. At first he's annoyed, but then it turns to slight amusement. "Thank you, Doctor Miller." He would have teased more, had she not been busy with Scott.

With a bit of help from Katie, he gets the wound cleaned and bandaged well enough for the time being, then tries to settle back in the seat, though it's hard. His eyes continually drift to Scott and how he's doing in Misty's care.


Reese maneuvers the van back onto a paved road, skidding out into the turn and gunning it, one last bullet bouncing off the side before they speed out of range. "Everybody okay?"

"We're good," Jason calls up to him. "Just keep moving." Looking out the back window for a moment, he wonders about what they left behind.
I wonder if Riggs came up with an excuse or if he got killed.

Rick's voice comes over the mics, question hanging in his voice. "How's it looking, guys? What happened?"

Wyatt takes charge to answer him. "We're all okay, Rick. We got Scott."

"My word...so he really is alive."

"Right now he is. Keep praying. Misty's taking care of him."

"Good. Stick with him, Misty...I know you can help."


Scott starts to writhe under Misty's hands, coming to, though in a fog of confusion. The bumps in the road startle him, and he winces as cuts and bruises are tended to. He was cold...his stomach hurt...his head hurt... He shivers, the fever worsening.

Catching sight of Misty, he tries to make out her face, then sees Nate again too. "Where am...I? What.... what's hap...happening?"

Jason is right close, his eyes full of worry. "You're with your team, buddy. We're on our way home."

"H...home?"

"Yeah... home."

Reese grips the steering wheel tight, continually looking in the rearview mirror, but thankfully seeing no one. "Dalton, keep checking back there. Make sure no one's tailing us. And keep all frequencies in check to catch any communication that goes on. I want to know if anyone gets on to us."

Jason looks up to his boss. "How long you think it'll take us to get back?"

Reese sets his jaw in determination. "Not as long as it took us to come."


A black van speeds along the highways, avoiding traffic and as many intersections as possible. Pulled over once by a sheriff, they're quickly released when Reese reveals they are part of the Elite. All they gain is then an escort, allowing them more speed.


Sometimes we get second chances. Sometimes we're allowed that one special time in our life when we can say that we were blessed with that one-in-a-million chance to turn the tide...to see a different outcome than what we had thought. At the time we might not see it... at the time we might not realize that's what we are being given. We might even have a hard time dealing with that realization once it is recognized.


"Whoa, Hotshot, look out."

Jason swerves just in time to miss Reese who was rounding a corner with a cup of coffee. "Keep drinking that stuff and you're going to run into the wall."

Reese smirks. "You run on two hours worth of sleep in the last three days and go without coffee...then you say that to me."

Jason pauses his route to his office, growing serious. "How's discussions going with Carter?"

"Not good." Reese sighs and throws up his hand. "I can't get him to see it our way."

"And Austin?"

Reese purses his lips. "He's coming back. Carter wants him."

"For...?"

"Promotion, would be my guess."

"Wouldn't that have to run through Brown?"

Reese shrugs. "That line is a little foggy at the moment... how much is left up to our department in itself, and how much is run by partnering chiefs."

"So what exactly are you saying?"

Reese looks Jason in the eye. "Haven't you talked to Austin about this?"

Jason glances down, fingering the files in his hands. "I don't talk to him much, you know that... especially after recent events."

Reese is quiet for a moment. "Well...you might be getting a new boss."

"Carter wouldn't displace you for Austin."

"No?" Reese sighs deeply, trying not to let his concern and his bit of hurt show through. "After this...he might. You should like it...you might be next in line if they keep family at the top."

Jason speaks before he even thinks. "Then I'd just as soon change my name."

Reese blinks, a little taken aback. "I didn't think..."

"Well, I do feel that way," Jason states flatly. He stuffs his hurt down deep, keeping it hidden just as he had for the last several days. He'd even kept it hidden from Katie. That, along with something else he didn't want to surface. He shakes his head, slightly angry. "Don't put me in the same category as them, Reese. All I'd appreciate is updates if Austin is going to come back."

Turning, he continues to head to his office, finished with the discussion. Getting to his desk, he flops down in his chair, only to be alerted by the intercom. It was Rick.

"Jase... quick meeting in the breakroom... I've already called the others."

"Others?"

"Katie... Nate... Sapphire... Wyatt... Dalton... Laura... Misty's here, and I'm gonna call Reese in too."

Jason can't help a chuckle. "How about just calling the rest of the office?"

Rick laughs. "Well, for now you're the core of it. You can help after this."

"Alright..." Jason shrugs. "Be right there." He stops work before it even started, giving a little sigh. He'd gotten in late that morning after a night of not getting much sleep. Some bad memories had started to crop up after seeing Scott being held captive, and so far he'd avoided any flashbacks or nightmares, but Jason was just a little scared that something small would happen to set them off again. For now though...for now, he was okay.

The last couple days had been stressful but quiet at the same time. Most of Jason's time had been spent at work. Spreading the word that Scott was alive had been a delicate task, but by now, much of the word had spread by itself, and of course, the happiness had been plentiful. There was a lot of surprise, and even more questions that couldn't necessarily be answered, but for now, at least family and friends knew the truth.


Getting into the breakroom, it's already full. Jason slides in the door right next to Katie, giving her a little nudge to the shoulder.
Hey, good morning... late morning, anyway. I haven't seen much of you last couple days...my fault, but I miss ya.

Rick clears his throat, the center of attention. "Before anyone found out and smothered him, I wanted you to know that Scott's finally awake."

Audible breaths of relief could be heard. Since the team had been halfway back from Washington, Scott had been unconscious. Almost three days had passed, and though Misty and Rick had kept him stable, and started to get nourishment back into him through iv's, they'd remained worried about his condition.

"Thank God." Reese gives a nod. "How is he?"

"Stable." Rick throws a wink in Misty's direction. "Thanks to some good hands."

Relief passes through Jason.
I thought for a while there, we were going to have to say goodbye to him again.

Rick thinks for a moment. "I, um... I think it'd be good if anyone who wants to see Scott take turns. It's been quite a shock to him... not only realizing that everyone thought he was dead, but being told that almost two months have passed. He had no idea it had been that long."

Wyatt lets out a slow whistle. "What did he think?"

Rick shakes his head. "I don't know, but by the look on his face I'd say he might have thought only a few weeks had gone by."

"Has he said anything about what happened?"

"No." Rick shakes his head again. "He, um... just tread lightly with that one." His suggestion is aimed at everyone in the room. "I could be wrong, but..." His tone grows serious. "I have a feeling that he's been through some things that he may simply not want to think about right now. So... you're free to see him... slowly... take it easy on him. But... he's awake. By tonight I'm going to try to get him to eat something, but for now he wasn't hungry yet."

Rick holds up his hands. "That's it. Thanks for listening."


Scott sits on the infirmary bed, his knees pulled up to his chest, his arms wrapped around his legs. He rests his chin on his knees, staring at the foot of the bed, even though there's nothing there. His mind reels with so much information, trying to sort it out, and half of it being blocked.

He felt better...being here... knowing he was safe. But the images of where he'd been...what he'd been through... they loomed over him like a dark shadow unwilling to leave.

His arms had bandages on them... his sides were sore... Rick had confirmed the loss of vision in his left eye. But he wanted to be happy he was even alive... shouldn't he be happier than this? Yet instead, he felt...numb... disoriented. Rick had explained a lot to him, and he understood now what had happened with the team, and who had come to get him. He understood now that people had thought he was dead...for almost two months.

Scott lifts his eyes to see a small mirror above the sink at the counter on the other side of the room. Though cleaned up, his short hair and black and blue face, let alone his gray eye made him look like someone else. What would people think? Would they ask him a lot of questions? Would he have to talk about what had happened to him? Would people look at him differently?

Emotions are held back behind the surface, and Scott buries his face in his knees. Never had he felt so relieved to be alive, and so dismal at the same time. He wanted to see people... he wanted to see Wyatt.... and Katie... and Nate.... and even Jason. But he was almost scared to. What would they think? What would they say? What was he supposed to say?

He wanted to feel as good as he was supposed to... maybe it was just the pain medication that was toying with him. Everything could go back to normal...right?

Two months... what had really happened in two months?

Dr. Not Stupid

*Nate can't help the chuckle that escapes his lips at Scott's comment. It gave a new gimmer of hope to see his sense of humor show through just a bit.

Coming around to the other side of Scott Nate gently puts his arm around his shoulder and lifts him up with Jason taking great caution to be gentil with Scott and the state he was in.*

"Ok buddy lets get you out of here and have Misty take care of you."

*Nate continues to walk slow and evenly letting Riggs and Jason lead.*

*Katie continues to talk to Scott giving him all the comfort her could while keeping her own emotions pushed to the side for now.*

"Yeah, I'm not dead Hun. You should know it takes alot to keep us down huh?!"

*As Jason and Nate walk with Scott Katie brings up the back making sure all is clear and giving them cover if they need it. As they walk Katie continues to talk to Scott hoping to keep him awake.*

"You know I know one pup that is going to be mighty happy to see you. She missed you something awfel Scotty."

*The trek out of the building is long and seems to take forever but finally the cool night air hits Katie's face as Scott's freedome is only minutes away.

As Riggs dosnt come with them Katie turns to look at him. Her own heart for a moment gave a ping of pain for this person that had helped them. But regaining focus Katie turns and continues to follow the others.

As the shots ring out Katie ducks a little turning around quickly.*

"We better hurry up we have company."

*As the continue up the hill Katie keep her eyes peeled only to give a wince of pain as Jason goes down feelng shooting through her own leg. As Jason gives her orders to help with Scott Katie is quick to do so making sure Jason was still close behind.

Once getting to the car and making sure everyone was inside. Katie lets out a long sigh as she sits by Scott and lets Misty do what she did best.

Reaching for a bandage Katie grabs it and hands it to Jason.

Just watch it please I dont want it to get worse than it is.*

*Without even looking up from Scott Misty works on him and than turns to Jason for just a moment. A grin wanting to form but in this situation it did not.*

"I'm a Dr. Hotshot not stupid. Katie take some of this liqued here and dump it on the bullit wound. That should hold it for now and keep it clean than when we get back I can take a better look at it. Nate come here help me with this."

*Everyone works in the back of the Van as they speed down the road. Time, once again was lost...payed no attachen to anything. Time....was gone in the wind.*

Hit

Jason makes room for Katie to kneel next to him by Scott.
It’ll be okay, Katie…I know you can do this…you can calm him down better than anyone else can.

Watching and hoping, he hides a distant feeling that he didn’t know would exist, and pays no mind to it. Not now.

He just sits, listens and hopes.


Scott manages to make out a blurred figure before him, but flinches under her touch. Except for Riggs, no one else had been kind. No one else had been gentle. He didn’t trust anyone else.

But that voice…that soothing voice…he knew that… but…could it be?

Swallowing hard, Scott shifts a little so he’s propped up against the wall instead of lying on the floor. With his one good eye, he squints. Fear courses through him, as rampant as the pain he’d been experiencing. Reality seemed far away…that voice seemed to muddle together in a foggy tone too far out of reach. But… he recognized it.

Then slowly, his emotions begin to calm. Instead of his fear controlling him, a calmness seemed to be summoned from within, to overcome that which made him quake. It didn’t make sense… he should be scared… but..

He glances down as Katie runs her fingers over his hand. It hurt. His hand was sore. But that touch…so soft…so warm.

“Katie?” Tears fill his eyes. Was he dreaming? Could this be? He’d known for sure that he would die here in this cell. He’d known for sure that his friends were dead. This couldn't be real...he had to be hallucinating again. But...it was so real..

Timidly and slowly, Scott raises his arm and reaches out an icy hand, touching the side of Katie's face. "You're not...dead."

Jason lets out the breath he'd been holding.
Good job, Hero...he's calming down. He knows you.
"We're not dead, Scott...and neither are you. We're here to get you out."

"Jason?" Scott glances towards him.

"Yeah." Jason smiles. "It's me. And Nate too."

All at once, Scott realizes that this is indeed real. All of his hope had been completely lost, and suddenly it was back in full force. He was weak. He was sick. He was hurt. But he had to clear his mind... he had to. "Is he married yet?"

Jason can't help his laugh, remembering Scott's final words to Nate. "No...not yet. Think you can get up and get out of here?"

Scott tries to sit up, but sinks back to the wall, wincing. He shakes his head numbly.

"Oh yes you can." Jason nods for Nate to help him get Scott up. "We're getting out of here."

With just a bit of trouble, Jason and Nate are able to get Scott to his feet, though he hangs limply between them, barely able to keep his arms over their shoulders.

Katie, keep talking to him. He's about ready to pass out again.

Riggs is already to the door, making sure the coast is clear. "Come on. I'll take you around the other way to avoid seeing anyone."

The four start to follow him, Jason hoping that they were doing the right thing by following this man. They had to trust him. It was their only hope.

The walk is hard, Scott often stumbling, needing extra help. They don't encounter anyone else on their way, but come close, though Riggs keeps to his word, not allowing them to be seen.

And finally...finally they reach the door where they had entered in.

Riggs holds it open for them. "Hurry. Go. Leave before they get a chance to notice he's gone."

The team starts forward, but Jason turns once. "Why don't you come with us?"

Sorrow fills Riggs' eyes. "I can't. Just go...and be safe."

Jason wants to argue. He didnt' understand Riggs...but there was something there...there was good...no matter if he was working for the Agency or not. "Alright." He looks to Katie and Nate. "Let's go, and make it fast. Misty...be ready. Scott will need immediate care."

As the team makes their trek up the small hill back into the woods, gunfire is suddenly heard. Jason is instantly brought down, a sickening pain shooting up his leg.
Scott tumbles from the lack of support, unable to pick himself back up.

Katie, get on Scott's side NOW and help Nate. MOVE!

Jason bites his teeth against the pain and draws his gun, turning around to see three armed men running after them with rifles. He doesn't think twice, and simply fires. Getting to his feet, he's right behind the other three, covering them as they take cover under the trees.

"Reese! Start the van! They're after us. We've got to run!"

Reese hears the gunfire, sees the movement and hears Jason. Immediately he starts the van. "Dalton, get the door. Wyatt, get out and cover them. Misty, prep the back!"

The team makes it to the van just as Wyatt gets out and takes out the two remaining guards...Jason had already hit the third. "Get in! There's more coming!"

The next few minutes seem to be a blur. There's talking, shouting, doors, and finally tires spinning as Reese hits the gas pedal.

Scott is laid in the back with Misty, cold and wet from the outside, shaking again from the cold. Jason leans over the backseat. "He's got a fever....the guy said he'd been drugged... that's all I know. I don't think any bones are broken. He was lucid just long enough for us to get him out."

Looking down, he shifts to sit in the seat, peeling off the "borrowed" jumpsuit and reaching down to touch his leg.
Katie, get me a bandage. I'm bleeding pretty bad here. Don't tell Misty yet. Let her take care of Scott.

...for me Scotty

*As Nate and Katie turn the courier and run straght into someone Nate gives a jump as Jason is put into a choakhold. His gun aimed up untill he slowly lowers it not wanting to put Jason in anymore danger than he could be in right now.*

*Katie gives a jump as Jason goes into the choak hold but her keeps her emotions in check knowing this was a dangerous situation. Just eyeing the man for a moment and searching his face Katie listens, and takes in everything that was said.*

*As Jason is pushed twords Nate he catchs him and stands him up again making sure he was alright. Though a bit leery about Riggs. They didnt know him worth anything and for all they new this could be a trap.*

*At the mention of Scott being alive Katie's heart races for a moment before she stops the emotional flow and numbly follows knowing that if Scott was in fact alive they needed to get to him fast and that is all that mattered right now.

Continuing to follow after Jason Katie stays on alirt with everything around them making sure not to let her guard down. As they enter the small cell her eyes scan the area untill she spots the heap on the floor and instintly her heart drops. Seeing Scott there, so small, so weak it hurt so bad.

As Jason fights with Scott trying to get him to understand who they were Katie goes almost into her own transe. How much Scott had been through, how differnt he now looked. How much it hurt to see someone she cared for like this.

Rick's voice crackles over the speaker in Katie's eye instintly brings her back to reality as he eyes widen slightly.*

"Rick, I've never done that before on anyone but Jason. I don't know if I can let alone have it work on anyone alse."

*What if she tryed and it failed. What if she really couldnt do it.*

*Listing Nate brings a hand to Katie's shoulder seeing the look and the small hint of fear in her eye.*

"Hero, you have to try. We have faith in you. Scott knows your voice and maybe that alone will help."

*Nate offers his young friend a reasuring smile and a nod trying to give her the confadince she needed.*

*Katie gives a small nod though is still a bit leery. Slowly making her way over to Scott Katie kneels down on the hard concreat floor. For a moment Katie just clears her mind not letting anything alse interfear. Reaching her own shaking hand out Katie rests it on Scott's arms softly.*

"Scotty, its Katie. We are really here and we are going to get you out of here Hun. I have Jason, and Nate her with me."

*Katie looks up a moment at Jason and than to Nate who had moved closer and as was squating down himself.

Katie looks back to Scott and tilts her head just a bit trying to catch Scott's eye.*

"You have to work with us though. I know your weak, and your hurting but you have to help us and once we get out of here Misty will be outside to take care of you. We are ready to bring you home Scott, we want you home we miss you so much. You just have to gather what little strangth you have left and help us. Can you do that...for me Scotty."

*Katie keeps her voice soft and calm hoping she was helping. Praying that she was doing some good to calm Scott down and have him relize who they were. Katie's own tear runs from her eye as she continues to talk to Scott and gently run a finger over his rough cut hand.*

Barely...

Wyatt and Reese exchange anxious glances as they see their team by the building. Would this work? Would they be able to pull it off? What would happen once they were in the building? If they got caught, could Jason and Katie manipulate others enough to get all of them out again?


Jason feels a lurch to his system as Katie releases her own tension in order to draw out the fear in the guards. He gives a slight start forward, not having been quite prepared. Recovering quickly though, he withdraws his gun and makes eye contact with Nate, gesturing around the corner.


The two guards are still trying to figure out what happened with the lights, when they aim their guns, looking around wildly. Their eyes are wide, fear evident on their faces. Though only slightly nervous at first, it grows, neither knowing that it was being done to them intentionally.

"Mark, what's going on?"

"I don't know."

"What's out there?"

"I can't see a thing. I don't like this."

"Me either. Something isn't right."

"This is bad, man, real bad."


Seeing the confusion, Jason would have grinned had he not been concentrating so hard on their mission.
Good job, Katie.
He nods to her and Nate. "Let's take 'em down."

Whipping around the corner with the other two, Jason stands with feet apart, pistol in hand, aimed at the two guards. "Freeze!"

The two men by now are sweating and shaking, hardly able to hold their own guns still. "Wha..who...how..."

"Drop your guns now!" Jason orders sternly. "Or you're dead where you stand."

The men exchange looks of horror, neither understanding why they were so terrified of these three invaders. "Okay, okay, don't shoot." Both lay their rifles down, putting their hands in the air.

Jason keeps his eyes narrow, his glare staying on them as he leads the team closer, cautiously. He and Nate kick the rifles to the side, and Jason turns the guards around. "Sorry guys."

Nodding to Nate, and knowing he'll do the same, Jason takes one from behind and in one swift motion, brings the butt of his gun to the man's head, knocking him out cold. He slumps to the ground in an unconscious heap next to his partner who Nate had just taken out as well.

Reese's voice crackles through the mics. "Way to go guys. That was as smooth as butter. Let's hope the rest of this goes as easy."

Jason holsters his gun.
Yeah, right.
"Just keep an eye on us." He grabs the one man and drags him by the ankles away from the door, motioning for Nate to follow suit with the other one. Then stripping off the guards' jumpsuits, both cover their own clothes and zip up the suits, sporting the nametags of the guards.

Wyatt can't help a chuckle. "Don't you two look sharp."

Jason looks down. The pants were barely at his ankles, while Nate's new duds were pretty tight. "Crack another joke and you'll be wearing this," he threatens Wyatt good-naturedly.

Making sure that he, Katie and Nate were all set, he goes to the door and looks down at the security. "We got a keypad here, folks. Hulk, we need you. Tap into the system and tell me what numbers I'm gonna need. Looks like it might be a six-digit code."
This has got to work... I have no idea what will be inside or what we'll do. We could be met head-on with more guards. And who knows where Scott will even be.
He tries to keep his nervousness in check, knowing that it would just make him feel worse, along with Katie.

Waiting only two minutes, the code is revealed and Jason breathes a sigh of relief. "You're a genius, Hulk." Taking a deep breath, he enters the digits and puts his hand on the door handle. "Okay, folks. Here goes nothing."

The door opens. Glancing in cautiously, Jason sees nothing but a dim hallway. "Katie, right behind me," he whispers. "Nate, behind her, as if we're bringing her in."

Slipping inside, Jason looks both ways. The hall was long and narrow. The direction to go? No one knew. Jason chooses to go right. With his gun ready, he takes the lead, quietly heading down the hall.

Several people are seen passing at the end, and Jason ducks his head to hide his face, but the strangers don't even seem to notice the three newcomers.

Reaching the end, Jason pauses. He makes eye contact with Nate and Katie, knowing that once they turned the corner, they might be in full-view of anyone. Pausing only a moment, he moves.

It was the wrong choice.

As Jason rounds the corner, he's caught completely off guard by a medium-build man who catches Jason's gut with an elbow, spins him around and takes his gun all in one motion, putting the pistol barrel to Jason's head.

Caught in a chokehold, Jason struggles.
Now's not a good time to make him nervous, Katie. Not unless you want my brains blown out.

The man pushes Jason back into the long hall, his eyes flashing with anger at the three. "Who are you?" he hisses. "And how did you get past the guards? You might have fooled somebody in those outfits, but I know Mark and Harris, and you're not them."

Jason gasps for breath. "They were stupid."

The man shoves Jason forward into Nate, stretching out his gun at the three, his eyes jumping back and forth between them. "I know you." His eyes narrow. "From somewhere..." He cocks the pistol. "You have one chance to tell me before I alert our security, and if I do that, you're never going to leave alive."

Jason's hands are raised slightly.
We've been caught. Should we try to lie our way out or not?

"Tell him where you're from," Reese orders, as if reading his mind. "Check his reaction and if he's scared, you got him. If not, take him down too. You can't risk getting killed."

Jason swallows hard. "Ever heard of the Elite?"

The man cocks his head.

"How about TJY?"

The man's eyes widen, his voice lowering to a whisper. "You're here for Johnson."

Seeing the opportunity, Jason moves quickly, giving a high kick to the man's arm, letting the gun go flying, before he slams the stranger up against the wall, now having the upper hand. "You better talk and talk fast," he orders sternly. "Because we haven't got all night, and we got close to an army out there just waiting for our signal to fire. Unless you show us where Scott is and show us now, we'll give them that signal."

Surprisingly, the man laughs, despite his position. "I'd bet you don't have an army, but I believe in your nerves. I'm glad it was me who found you. I'll show you the way if you promise not to make a scene."

I don't get it. He seems real. What's up with this guy?
"Why are you so willing to help?" Jason questions. "If you have a trap planned, so help me, my partners and I will tear you to shreds."

The man shakes his head. "I'm on your side, kid."

"What?"

"Just...It's a long story. But if you want to get your friend out of here, you better do it now. He may be dead already."

Jason presses him harder against the wall. "What do you mean, dead?"

"What do you think this place is? A candy factory? He's weak, malnourished, dehydrated and sick. Now are you going to trust me or not?"

Jason glances to Katie and Nate.
I don't know about this...but he's the only chance we have right now.
"Reese?"

"Do it. You don't know where to go. If he takes you to a cell, you'll probably be closer to Scott anyway. Go as far as you can."

Jason slowly loosens his grip on the man, then bends down to pick up his gun. "Lead the way then..."

"...Riggs." The man nods. "And that's all you need to know. Come on...if we go the other way, there's less traffic."

Jason hesitates, looking to his partners for confirmation before turning to follow Riggs. This really was their only shot. Maybe it wasn't a trap...maybe it was a lucky break. He could only hope so.

Riggs leads them down the corridor and around the corner to several flights of stairs. Halfway down, voices can be heard from below and Riggs opens a door, ushering everyone inside, while he remains outside, casually leaning in the corner. Only voices can be heard and Jason stands in the small janitor’s room, his gun ready.

“Riggs. You double-check with the Boss about that shipment?”

“Yeah, he said it’s a go.”

“That town won’t know what hit it.”

“You got that right.”

“Say, how’s that lab rat of ours doing?”

“I was just on my way to see.”

“How about us coming with you? Get in one last visit.”

Jason tenses.

Riggs responds coolly. “You’re more than welcome, but I heard Tanya was looking for some company and she gets off work in five minutes.”

“Ooh, now that’s a much better idea!”

Within moments, Riggs is alone again, and he lets the others out. “Come on.”

Once again, the four head down, down, down to the basement, and then an extra level beyond that. There were few lights here, making the atmosphere dim. They were below window level, never to signal the time of day.

Doors lined the hall with no windows to see in, and too thick to hear through. On down the line the small group finally gets to the last door. Riggs fishes a key out of his pocket and opens the door for the others. Keeping his voice low, he gestures inside. “I’ll keep watch. Make it quick.”

Jason hesitates. “No. You leave the door unlocked and come in with us.”

“I’m not going to lock you in.”

“I don’t believe you.” Jason takes Riggs’ shoulder and pushes him in first.

The room is dark, small, cold, and stinks of rodents.

Oh, this is lovely. I don’t know why anyone would want to get out of here.
Jason puts a lid on his sarcasm for now, squinting into the dark. It takes a moment for his eyes adjust, and then he spots the heap in the corner. His heart skips a beat. “Scott?”

Throwing caution aside, he holsters his gun and goes quickly to the corner, sliding down next to the still form on the floor. “Scott?”

Scott is barely conscious, his eyes fluttering open slightly at the sound of Jason’s voice. But seeing a form above him, he shudders, balling up tighter, and giving something close to a whimper.

It is him...it's true...he really is alive. But he's in bad shape.
“Scott…” Jason lays a hand on his shoulder.

But instead of recognizing his friend, Scott lashes out with his hand. Catching Jason off guard, his knuckles meet Jason’s face, making him jump backward.

“Be careful with him,” Riggs orders. “They’ve had him doped up. He probably doesn’t even know who you are.”

How could they do this to him?
Jason grits his teeth and leans back over Scott, seeing one wrist chained to the wall. “I need a key.”

Riggs approaches and hands him one. “Hurry up. We only have so much time before security makes their rounds.”

Working quickly, Jason manages to unlock the shackle. “Just take it easy, Scott.”

Scott fights against the help, hardly lucid enough to know he was being talked to, and too weak to move around too much. The only one who tried to ever move him was Donovan. “No,” he mumbles. “No.”

Jason’s hand brushes against Scott’s face, and he grits his teeth.
He’s burning up.
“Come on…it’s us.”

Feeling his writs free, Scott manages to sit up, but instead of accepting Jason’s hand, he scoots back in the corner, shaking from terror and from cold.

Jason sucks in his breath, the dim light from the hall, catching Scott’s face. He was so beaten and gaunt, Jason wasn’t sure he would ever have recognized him. Scott’s hair had been cut extremely short, taking away pride with it. His face was so thin it was almost scary, full of bruises and old cuts that had not been tended to. And as he stares back at Jason, only one eye seems to register in focus. His left is dim and gray, a sign that no doubt sight had been completely lost.

Apart from his physical appearance, his clothes were tattered and grimy - what was left of a t-shirt and jeans. Nothing had been provided for his bare feet that were now scuffed and bleeding from lack of protection. His hands that were held up in defense were rough and thin reminders of the soft strength they’d once had.

Jason’s stomach lurches. “Oh, Scott…”
We’ve got to get him out of here.

“What’s going on, guys?”

Jason is suddenly brought back to the present as Reese’s voice interrupts them. He puts a hand to his earpiece. “We found him.”

“Is he alive?”

“Barely.”

“Can you get him out?”

“Hope so. Hang tight.”

“You got it.”

Jason takes a deep breath and moves to take Scott’s arms, but is met with dead weight, pulling back into the corner. “Come on, Scott, a little cooperation here.”

Still out of it, Scott, refuses, putting up his hands in weak defense.

“Scott, come on,” Jason begs. “It’s us…Jason…Katie…Nate.”

Scott’s mind tries to understand. He knew that voice. But that voice belonged to someone who was supposed to be dead. He shivers as another wave of cold chills hits him, the sweat running down the side of his face.

Jason tries again, reaching out and trying to simply pull Scott up. But Scott struggles, winding up just falling back against the corner again, crying out as he hits the concrete.

“Katie, Nate, we need to do this together,” Jason orders. “He doesn’t know it’s us.”

As the struggle continues, the radios crackle. “Katie…Katie, it’s Rick. Reese said you’re having trouble with Scott. Don’t forget you can calm him down. You can stir someone up by dragging out the negative, I know you can drag out the positive too. Somewhere, Scott knows it’s you… somewhere there’s as calming element there. Talk to him so it surfaces, then use it. I know you can, Katie.”